Derek Johnston

Derek S. Johnston, CFA is a Partner and Portfolio Manager at Conestoga Capital Advisors, LLC, based in Wayne, PA. He joined the firm in 2015 and serves as Co-Portfolio Manager for the SMid Cap Growth strategy, overseeing investments in small- and mid-cap growth equities. In addition to his portfolio management responsibilities, he conducts equity research across the small- to mid-cap universe, focusing particularly on identifying high-quality growth companies within these asset classes.

Johnston’s investment experience spans over two decades, with prior roles including Co-Portfolio Manager for Small and SMid Cap portfolios at 300 North Capital, LLC, and Equity Research Analyst for Small Cap equities at Engemann Asset Management. He began his career with positions at Banc of America Securities, Thomson Financial, Caspian Securities, Inc., and Smith Barney, all in New York, gaining diverse analytical and portfolio management expertise within the equities sector.

He holds a Bachelor of Science from Boston College and an MBA from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business. A CFA charterholder since 2003, Johnston’s professional focus is on small- and mid-cap growth equities, and he is recognized for his analytical rigor and leadership in strategy development for SMid cap portfolios.